Lamar State College Orange Partners with Texas Juvenile Justice Department to Provide College Credit for Workforce Training
May 7, 2025
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) that will provide college credit opportunities for Juvenile Correctional Officers (JCOs) and other TJJD staff based on their agency training.
Under the agreement, JCOs and direct care staff will be eligible to receive college credit for specific technical and on-the-job training completed through TJJD. These credits can be applied toward criminal justice certificates and a variety of associate degree programs at LSCO, many of which are available online or in person at affordable tuition rates for in-state students.
LSCO officials believe the partnership will empower TJJD staff across Texas to further their education, enhance their credentials, and pursue long-term career advancement all while building a stronger workforce in public service and criminal justice.
“We are excited to partner with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department on this innovative continuing education program leading to advanced certificates and degrees. We are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to working with TJJD employees across the state” said Dr. Wendy Elmore, Provost and Executive Vice President at Lamar State College Orange.
The agreement was signed May 1 at Texas State University in San Marcos by LSCO President Dr. Thomas Johnson and TJJD Training Director Chris Ellison.
“TJJD saw an opportunity to add on to the benefits and incentives for employees and from the minute we contacted LCSO they have been fantastic to work with, a great partner in getting this up and running,” said TJJD Training Director Chris Ellison. “We anticipate tremendous value in allowing our staff to earn credits while going through the TJJD New Hire Academy and continuing agency trainings.”
This initiative aligns with LSCO’s mission to transform lives and communities through academic, technical, and workforce excellence—creating new and accessible pathways for adult learners in Texas.